2 years part-time, starting in September 2019

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Deepen your knowledge of international relations and gain the skills to unpack and detect the causes and consequences of the world’s biggest challenges.

Current world developments - such as security threats, changes of leadership, the emergence of new powers and the evolving nature of the EU - present fresh challenges to governments, regions and the international system as a whole.

This course explores these issues in depth, taking a close look at politics and policy-making in contemporary Europe, the role of Europe as a global player and the interplay of international power, order and institutions.

You'll gain the analytical skills to be able to unpack and detect the causes and consequences of specific political problems and the different political processes that have generated them.

This master's attracts students from all over the world at different stages of their professional and academic lives, adding to the richness of debate and offering deep and diverse perspectives on this multi-faceted subject.

Studying at Bath provides you with the opportunity to work with researchers in international security, terrorism, foreign policy and the international political economy. Our staff have expertise in many relevant topics including secret intelligence, the global resurgence of religion, emerging powers and peace and conflict studies, they offer fresh and leading perspectives on this highly complex and evolving area.

You'll leave with:

a broad and informed perspective on current issues of international relations

the strong analytical skills and theory-informed reasoning to be able to conduct political analysis and understand current challenges and developments

a deep insight into the world of negotiation and diplomacy and how multilateral institutions operate in the domains of trade and security

a strong foundation for international careers in administration, diplomacy, policy formation and research

This course is suited to those with an interest in contemporary world affairs and a degree in a relevant subject such as European studies, international relations, modern languages, politics, history, economics or sociology. It is a highly relevant master's if you're already working in field of commerce, trade, industry, teaching or government.

Graduate prospects

Studying this course provides an excellent grounding for working in international organisations, multinational corporations, public bodies and think tanks.

Graduates have gone on to successful careers in a wide range of organisations, including:

Anti-Money Laundering and Compliance Advisor, DNB

San Diego Justice Corps

Assistant to the Chief of Staff, Ambassador’s Office, Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Washington DC

Course structure

This course lasts 2 years. It starts in September 2019 and ends in 2021. Induction week starts on 23 September 2019.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Units

Part-time students will typically take either two or three units in each semester. The actual balance will be flexible subject to agreement by the Director of Studies.

Compulsory course units

These compulsory units are currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new units.

Assessment

‘International Relations at Bath involves leaving the classroom with a much more informed opinion.’

—
Sam Thomas
MA International Relations (2019)

Entry requirements

Origin of qualifications

Select the country where your qualification comes from.

British qualifications

You should have a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above.

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as European Studies, International Relations, Modern Languages, Politics, History, Economics or Sociology.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK, you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components

The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element

TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Italian qualifications

A laurea with a final overall score of at least 103 out of 110.

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as European Studies, International Relations, Modern Languages, Politics, History, Economics or Sociology.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components

The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element

TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Chinese qualifications

A four-year Bachelor’s degree with a final overall score of at least 80% depending on the institution attended.

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as European Studies, International Relations, Modern Languages, Politics, History, Economics or Sociology.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components

The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element

TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Hong Kongese qualifications

A bachelor’s degree with a final overall score of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 (B or 2:1).

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as European Studies, International Relations, Modern Languages, Politics, History, Economics or Sociology.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components

The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element

TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Indian qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree with a final overall result of at least a First Class.

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as European Studies, International Relations, Modern Languages, Politics, History, Economics or Sociology.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components

The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element

TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Kazakhstani qualifications

A Specialist Diploma with a final overall result of at least 3.5 out of 5.0.

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as European Studies, International Relations, Modern Languages, Politics, History, Economics or Sociology.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components

The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element

TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Nigerian qualifications

A bachelor’s degree with a final overall result of at least a 2:1.

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as European Studies, International Relations, Modern Languages, Politics, History, Economics or Sociology.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If within the last 2 years, you completed your degree in a country where English is the official first language, you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components

The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element

TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

American qualifications

A bachelor’s degree with a final overall score of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 (B).

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as European Studies, International Relations, Modern Languages, Politics, History, Economics or Sociology.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components

The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element

TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Other qualifications

We welcome applications from graduates from all countries so if you can’t see your country in the list, please contact our admissions team for advice about your specific entry requirements.

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as European Studies, International Relations, Modern Languages, Politics, History, Economics or Sociology.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components

The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element

TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Fees and funding

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home, EU, Island or Overseas student.